Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology Sports Turf Science and Management
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Overview
3 years full time / 7 years part time
3 years
February, July
February, July
Grow your career in Sports Turf Management
Melbourne Polytechnic is the only provider of higher education in Sports Turf in Australia. The Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology (Major in Sports Turf Science and Management) is supported by the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA). This course is most suited to existing turf practitioners seeking tertiary qualifications following completion of a Certificate III in Sports Turf Management AHC31319 and Diploma in Sports Turf Management AHC51019.
Maintain an internationally in-demand career
A major in Sports Turf Science and Management will help you pursue a range of interesting and lucrative careers in the sports turf industry, whether it be managing turf directly, or in turf consulting and design, turf research and development, or in the commercial world.
Course Structure
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Each subject in this degree is worth 12 credit points. Students will complete 288 credit points (24 subjects) over the duration of this course. This includes 8 core subjects, 8 major core subjects, and 8 elective subjects.
A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points (8 subjects). The academic year is divided into two main semesters: Semester 1 and Semester 2. Full-time students enrol in 48 credit points (4 subjects) each semester; part-time students enrol in 36 credit points (3 subjects) or less each semester. Only domestic students can choose to study part-time.
Note: Students with approved subject credits or RPLs (Recognition of Prior Learning) will complete less than 24 subjects over the duration of the course. Students with a diploma qualification and/or industry experience are encouraged to apply for subject credits or RPLs, respectively.
Career Pathways
Where will the Bachelor of Agriculture and Technology - Sports Turf Science and Management take me?
As an undergraduate you will already be employed in the turf industry, but will have extended opportunities within the industry. Career paths may include the following:
- Turf Consultant
- Turf Agronomist
- Turf Research and Development
- Education
Study Pathways
Upon completion of this course, you may be eligible to enrol in post-graduate qualifications in Agriculture/Sports Turf. This may include an Honours or Masters program.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Learn while you work. We offer a flexible delivery program in this major. Depending on subject selection, delivery methods may include online, blended (combination of online and on-campus), self-directed learning, practical workshops, or virtual evening classes.
Class Schedule
Depending on subject selection, classes may be scheduled across:
Monday - Friday: AM and/or PM
Assessment Methods
Subjects are assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, online quizzes, practical exercises, reports, case studies, oral presentations, tests and examinations. Some subjects require attendance for practical work in our laboratories at the Fairfield and Epping campuses.
Units of Study
Credit points are a basic measure of student workload. All subjects are given a credit point value. Most subjects at Melbourne Polytechnic are 12 credit points. A normal full-time annual workload is 96 credit points. The academic year is divided into two main semesters; full-time students usually enrol in 48 credit points each semester, part-time students usually enrol in 24 credit points each semester or less.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Description | Year | Semester |
| ALM110 | Agronomy 1 | Elective | In this subject you will develop knowledge in the practise of agronomy as an activity that under pins plant production practises in sustainable agriculture. Different options for crop and pasture establishment and management will be explored as well as conventional, alternative and sustainable systems for plant management. | 1 | 1 |
| TER102 | Language and Logic Introduction to Academic Skills | Elective | This subject focuses on the development of academic literacy skills and knowledge. The subject develops the skills required to understand and engage with academic texts and academic writing through a range of printed and visual material including textbooks, newspapers, scholarly articles, blogs and documentaries. | 1 | 1 |
| BAT101 | Agricultural Systems and Technology | Core | This subject introduces a range of Australian agricultural production systems and associated technologies, including aquaculture, viticulture, horticulture, cropping and livestock systems. Knowledge of key concepts of each industry, from production-cycle, agribusiness and agro-ecological perspectives will be developed. Contemporary issues facing Australian agricultural systems, including production limitations, market challenges, environmental sustainability, and issues of social license will be explored. | 1 | 1 |
| BES109 | Living Systems 1 | Core | Living Systems 1 is a core subject that brings together traditional biology and chemistry, reflecting the interrelationship between the two fields. You will be introduced to chemistry concepts and processes and explore their roles in biological systems. | 1 | 1 |
| AGR102 | Turf Management 1 | Core | This subject is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge or practical experience in Turf Management. This subject provides foundation knowledge and a practical introduction to a range of turf cultural tasks such as irrigating, mowing, renovating, fertilizing and pesticide application required in turf management. | 1 | 1 |
| BVW213 | Rural Business Management | Elective | This subject develops knowledge of the Australian agricultural business environment focusing on principles of development, planning, operation and performance analysis as applied to rural business enterprises in local and global settings. Students will examine a variety of agricultural business types through a variety of experiential tasks and develop skills in the use of structured planning methods to identify business and marketing opportunities as well as skills in business plan development. | 1 | 2 |
| BAT102 | Food Production in a Changing World | Elective | This subject explores human food production, its current and future challenges from both Australian and global perspectives. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of human food production and the key factors driving change in food production systems. | 1 | 2 |
| BES110 | Living systems 2 | Core | Living Systems 2 builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in Living Systems 1, which synthesises the fields of traditional biology and chemistry to explore the interrelationship of the two fields. Living Systems 2 extends concepts from the preceding subject into selected aspects of more advanced fields including genetics, metabolism, ecology and organic chemistry. | 1 | 2 |
| AGR101 | Vineyard Management | Elective | This subject focuses on key aspects of the annual cycle of vineyard operations. Students will explore physiological and environmental aspects relevant to yield and quality of grapes and wine. Vine physiology, nutrition and health will be considered along with the impact of climate and weather events, soil types, light, water and crop load on the harvest. | 1 | 2 |
| AGR103 | Turf Management 2 | Core | This subject extends learning in Turf Management 1 and covers further principles, knowledge and diagnostic and remedial practices in Sports Turf Management such as soil physics, drainage, construction, plant nutrition and the benefits of additional turf cultural practices. | 1 | 2 |
| AEM306 | Industry Placement | Elective | The industry placement provides students opportunities to consolidate knowledge and enhance skills developed throughout the course in addition to gaining perspectives and skills essential for employment in the industry. Practical experiences and application of scientific and business theory in a commercial agricultural environment will assist students to critically evaluate technical and generic aspects of the agricultural sector as required by employers and the broader industry. | 2 | 1 |
| BAT202 | Applied Genomics and Plant Breeding | Core | This subject explores plant breeding technologies and applied genomics across a number of commercial enterprises. Students will develop skills in conventional plant breeding methods, as well as modern molecular and cell biology techniques used for breeding. Concepts in molecular biology, genomics, plant breeding and bioinformatics will be presented. | 2 | 1 |
| BAT204 | Ecological Systems | Core | This subject will develop and expand student knowledge and skills in ecological systems that are considered essential to an understanding of agricultural science, including its practical application and its relationship to the surrounding environment. A healthy ecological system is a key indicator of a sustainable environment. Students will explore biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems and the interactive processes between them. | 2 | 1 |
| AGR202 | Irrigation Design | Elective | This subject covers the design of pressurized irrigation systems, which include high-pressure systems using fixed sprinkler heads, and low-pressure systems such as drip systems. You will study a core program covering water quality and water budgeting in agriculture and horticulture, and then split into two streams for specific design work in turf/amenity horticulture or agriculture/production horticulture. | 2 | 1 |
| AEM201 | Statistics and Experimental Design | Core | This subject will provide an introduction to statistical concepts and techniques and the application of statistics in management and decision making in a variety of primary industries contexts. You will develop a practical knowledge of selected statistical concepts, theories and methodologies including an understanding of experimental design and sampling techniques within a management context for a range of primary industries. | 2 | 2 |
| BVW214 | Plant Physiology | Core | In this subject you will consolidate and extend your knowledge of plants and plant physiology, and examine the impact of, and interactions between components of crop production. You will study the biological processes occurring in plants at a cellular level from seedling emergence to maturity. | 2 | 2 |
| AEM207 | Aquaponics and Integrated Aquaculture Systems | Elective | In this subject, students will develop knowledge and skills relevant to aquaponics and other multi-trophic integrated high-yield aquaculture systems. Students will investigate historical perspectives of, as well as new developments and technologies in, aquaponics and other multi-trophic integrated agri-aquaculture systems with attention to the use of natural resources and environmental sustainability. | 2 | 2 |
| AGR200 | Plant Pests and Pathogens | Core | This subject explores the current frontiers of research and development of a range of commercially relevant plant pests and diseases. Students will learn the underpinning theory about disease and pest identification using a mix of traditional and modern identification techniques. Plant damage assessment techniques will be taught and practiced. The relationships between the host and pest/pathogen interactions will be explored. | 2 | 2 |
| AEM305 | Restoration of Aquatic Habitat | Elective | In this subject you will explore the theory and practice of restoration ecology, as applied to a range of selected aquatic ecosystems and habitats. You will explore concepts in restoration ecology, including the processes that shape aquatic habitats and their restoration, restoration thresholds, biodiversity, population and community structure, design and monitoring of restoration programs and the environmental, ethical, and social issues associated with restoration programs and activities. | 3 | |
| BAT304 | Applied Research Project 1 | Core | This subject aims to develop students’ theoretical knowledge of the methods and relevant project management skills required to plan and undertake an applied research project in the primary industries field. Elements covered include searching for, analysing and synthesising relevant academic literature; selecting appropriate research methodologies; incorporating research design and methods of data collection; and ethical considerations. | 3 | 1 |
| BAT308 | Environmental Management | Elective | The subject will equip you to develop systems for environmental management. You will be exposed to dominant environmental management models that involve a multidisciplinary approach to examining why environmental impacts occur, and the development of appropriate solutions to manage these impacts. You will develop the skills required to understand government policy direction and legislative compliance issues related to environmental management, as well as assess global environmental risks. | 3 | 1 |
| AGR300 | Digital Technologies in Agriculture | Core | Digital technologies used in agricultural and rural enterprises that are used globally, will be explored with relevant industry examples. These will include the use of field sensors, telemetry, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and geographical information systems (GIS), in the collection, management and analysis of proximal and remotely sensed data. | 3 | 1 |
| AGR303 | Marketing of Rural Products and Services | Elective | In this subject you will develop knowledge and skills relevant to marketing of rural products and services along with matters of business management that can be applied in a broad range of contexts. Principles of marketing such as market segmentation, the 4 P's model - Price, Promotion, Place, and Product - and the marketing mix, will be used as a basis for the development of marketing plans and programs. Techniques for on-going analysis of the market will be developed. | 3 | 1 |
| AGR306 | Turf Construction and Drainage | Core | The design of remedial drainage and new construction projects is based on well- established principles and formulae, specific to turf and not well understood outside the industry. This unit covers those design elements, from simple run-off and contouring principles through to the construction of new, sand-based surfaces. It also covers the testing and selection of construction materials (rootzone sand and gravels). | 3 | 1 |
| BAT305 | Applied Research Project 2 | Core | In this subject you will complete the second part of an applied research project initiated in the subject Applied Research Project 1. You will apply knowledge and skills to undertake a small research project including: the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, adherence to ethics considerations, and the development of recommendations and/or materials for industry. You will develop time management skills, ability to organize, liaise and work closely with external collaborators and will be required to demonstrate the processes you used to manage the project. | 3 | 2 |
| AGR301 | Agronomy 2 | Elective | This subject will extend your knowledge of agronomy and apply understanding of plant structures and functions to the management of agricultural systems. Exercises will be the basis for exploring crop and pasture establishment and management options in both dry land and irrigated environments, through measurement of plant performance at the appropriate growth stages. You will also examine the interrelationships between technology, crop performance, production efficiency and sustainability, including genetic modification and precision agriculture. | 3 | 2 |
| AGR302 | Integrated Production Management | Core | In this project-based subject, students will draw together acquired knowledge and further research on a broad range of relevant topics, into a whole-of-system, integrated production management plan for a selected agricultural system. Topics to be considered and synthesised into the management plan include production scheduling, water and nutrition management, breeding and genetic improvement, pest management, crop or livestock health, food safety and quality assurance, environmental management, marketing, financial management and risk management. | 3 | 2 |
| AGR307 | Turfgrasses for Sport | Core | In this subject, you will investigate different sports turf in turn, examining rules that may affect preparation, the tools used to quantify surface quality, and current benchmarks. Additional topics taught include: FIFA standards, pre-game safety audits, measuring turf quality, liability and insurance issues. | 3 | 2 |
| AGR308 | Advanced Industry Placement | Elective | This extended industry placement subject provides you with opportunities to develop technical/applied, discipline specific and professional skills with the aim to enhance your career prospects. You will be responsible for identifying a suitable work placement prior to the semester with support of the Subject Coordinator and online materials. Industry experience can be gained in Australia or overseas for most disciplines. You will conduct a course-related original project, in an appropriate format that demonstrates analytical, research and problem-solving skills relevant to the sector. | 3 | 2 |
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Fees & Costs
Fee-paying Places
| Per year | $21400 |
| Per semester | $10700 |
| Per year | $28480 |
| Per semester | $14240 |
When you are studying higher education courses you may qualify for FEE-HELP payments for part or all of your tuition fees. FEE-HELP loans do not cover materials costs.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1st of November. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Scholarships on offer
'We’d been discussing what projects we had coming up that we needed to go and buy materials for. And so then the scholarship came and it was just a sigh of relief.'
Requirements
Academic:- Australian Year 12 or equivalency, OR
- Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification in any discipline, OR
- Satisfactory completion of one or more subjects in a degree or associate degree course, OR
- Mature age applicant (21 years of age or over) with relevant industry experience defined as professional industry engagement for a minimum of two years; OR two years of high-level management experience; OR a combination of qualifications and industry experience. Supporting documents to include a CV with at least 2 supporting written references.
Higher Education Admissions Criteria
As well as the specific entry requirements above, Melbourne Polytechnic admits students on the basis of the following categories:
If you have already studied higher education: Y ou may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree.
If you have studied a VET course: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if your highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a vocational education and training (VET) course.
If you have recent secondary education: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you are a recent secondary education student whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the past two years.
If you have work and life experience: You may meet the admissions criteria for higher education at Melbourne Polytechnic if you have work and life experience and left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
Academic:- Australian Year 12 or equivalency, OR
- Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher qualification in any discipline, OR
- Satisfactory completion of one or more subjects in a degree or associate degree course, OR
- Mature age applicant (21 years of age or over) with relevant industry experience defined as professional industry engagement for a minimum of two years; OR two years of high-level management experience; OR a combination of qualifications and industry experience. Supporting documents to include a CV with at least 2 supporting written references.
Academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5, or Pearson PTE Academic 50 overall with no individual communicative skill below 42, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Applicants are required to provide a 300-500 word written statement outlining any experience in the Agriculture industry (voluntarily, informally, or as employment) and how this course will align with personal career goals.
Next Steps
Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your future studies.
Find out more about Melbourne Polytechnic’s commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
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